Volcanic Processes

1. Overview of Volcanic Processes.- 1.1 Basic Concepts and Definitions.- 1.2 The Volcanic System.- 1.3 The Geodynamic Problem.- 1.4 Volcanic Activity on the Earth.- 1.5 Volcanic Risk Mitigation.- 1.6 Closure.- 2. Foundations of Transport Theory.- 2.1 Introduction.- 2.2 Equilibrium Thermodynamics.- 2.3 Quasi-Equilibrium.- 2.4 Single-Phase Multicomponent Mixtures.- 2.5 Multiphase Mixtures.- 2.6 Elastic and Inelastic Stress Analysis.- 2.7 Closure.- Appendix 2.A: Basic Mathematical Tools.- 3. Properties of Igneous Materials.- 3.1 Introduction.- 3.2 Classification of Volcanic Rocks.- 3.3 Mineralogical Phase Diagrams.- 3.4 Multicomponent Melts.- 3.5 Rheological Properties.- 3.6 Properties of Rocks and Minerals.- 3.7 Trace Element Distribution and Isotope Geochemistry.- 3.8 Closure.- 4. Mantle Convection and Melt Segregation.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 Mantle Gradients.- 4.3 Constitution of the Mantle.- 4.4 Mantle Convection.- 4.5 Melt Segregation.- 4.6 Closure.- 5. Magma Chambers.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 Evolution of Magma Bodies.- 5.3 Magmatic Processes.- 5.4 Magma Chamber Dynamics.- 5.5 Closure.- 6. Magma Ascent in Conduits.- 6.1 Introduction.- 6.2 Opening of Volcanic Conduits.- 6.3 Conduit Processes.- 6.4 Magma Ascent Dynamics.- 6.5 Closure.- 7. Pyroclastic Dispersions.- 7.1 Introduction.- 7.2 Eruption Columns.- 7.3 Pyroclastic Deposits.- 7.4 Eruption Mitigation at Vesuvius.- 7.5 Closure.- References.

`Dr. Dobran is to be congratulated on having covered the basic physics of virtually all aspects of volcanology in so much detail. This will be an invaluable reference work for established specialists in volcanology. It will also provide an excellent starting point for new researchers wishing to become familiar with the quantitative aspects of this field.'
Lionel Wilson, Emeritus Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Lancaster, UK
`Dr. Dobran has clearly taken particular care in the writing and documentation of the Volcanic Processes. The book offers a good balance between various ingredients from mechanics, geophysics, and chemistry. The text is practically self-contained in spite of its multidisciplinary nature; all terms, expressions, and mathematical formulas are clearly explained. The book contains many exercises and examples, and these always pertain to the subject matter at hand. This is a very strong asset from the point of view of pedagogy. The author has presented a rich historical background. This gives a vivid and entertaining style. The book is not neutral. It reflects the strong involvement of its author in the matter of volcanic eruptions, his case studies (Vesuvio), and his latent catastrophism. This is quite unusual in science books, which normally exhibit no personal feeling. The treatment, although aimed at advanced undergraduate and first-year graduate students, is up-to-date and full of useful data. This book will also be very useful to specialists in geology, geophysics, and volcanology. I recommend it highly.'
Gérard A. Maugin, Laboratoire de Modelisation en Mécanique, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France